Egypt on Monday reiterated its objection to Israel maintaining control of the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, as part of any Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal.
“Egypt reiterated to all relevant parties its rejection of any Israeli presence at (the Palestinian side of) the Rafah crossing or the Philadelphi Corridor,” an Egyptian official said, according to Anadolu Agency.
The comment came after hostage deal talks concluded in Cairo on Sunday, with reports saying no progress was made. Israel’s demand to maintain the Philadelphi Corridor is one of the main obstacles to a deal, as Hamas wants an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on controlling the border even though the Israeli military doesn’t think it’s necessary. On Saturday, Reuters reported that Netanyahu has been in a dispute with Israeli negotiators, who are willing to agree to an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor.
“The prime minister insists that this situation will continue, contrary to pressure from certain elements in the negotiating team who are willing to withdraw from there,” a person familiar with the negotiations told Reuters.
After the meeting concluded in Cairo on Sunday, Hamas called for the implementation of the ceasefire deal previously presented by President Biden. The US recently put forward a new proposal that included many of Netanyahu’s demands and doesn’t include a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.
“The Hamas delegation demanded that the occupation be bound by what was agreed upon on 2 July, based on what was stated in Biden’s speech and the Security Council resolution. Hamas confirms its readiness to implement what has been agreed upon, in a way that achieves the supreme interests of our people and stops the aggression against them,” said Hamas spokesman Izzat al-Rishq, according to The Cradle.
“The Hamas delegation stressed the movement’s position that any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the freedom of return of residents to their areas, relief and reconstruction, and a serious exchange deal,” he added.
Well, do something about it.
Like what?
like anything other than the continued appeasement.
Big talkers… DO SOMETHIG!
Egypt was already bought and paid for many years ago.
Then, do something about it…! Otherwise, expect Israel military invading Sinai for more land grab…!
A demilitarised zone, perhaps ? The one between the ROK and DPRK seems to work; and has made for a brilliant wildlife sanctuary (as have the landmined beaches of the Falklands ! )
One should expect to see the annual bribe Egypt receives to play nice with Israel to suddenly get a substantial increase.
Agreed, likely al Sisi is just gaming it to extort a larger subsidy.
Since the 1978 Egypt peace agreement with Israel, the US govt has provided Egypt with more than $50 BILLION in military aid and $30 BILLION in economic aid.
The Gaza Strip is 25 miles long, 3.7 to 7.5 miles wide, and has a total of 141 sq mi making it approximately the size of the city of Philadelphia or the island of Grenada. With around 2 million Palestinians on approximately 141 sq mi of land, Gaza has one of the world's highest population densities.
The UN in addition to providing, education and housing to Gaza, should also provide birth control. When one does not have to pay to feed ones child, have a many as you want. Food is free.
Why would Egypt complain? If Israel took control, preventing smuggling of arm by Hamas is no longer Egypt's problem.